BOSTON — Legislation passed last week by the Massachusetts House of Representatives provides increased funding for the Department of Children and Families, homelessness programs and the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program.

The supplemental budget allocates $2.78 million to DCF, thus providing adequate funds to meet the department’s request of a 15:1 caseload ratio. This action follows increases in DCF funding over the past three budget cycles.

“I believe the actions we have taken as a Legislature have put the commonwealth in better position for success,” Rep Carole Fiola said. “In particular, the $2.8 million provided for the Department of Children and Families will help to begin hiring 150 social workers that will bring each worker’s caseload down from 18 to a more manageable 15. I would like to thank my colleagues for their support of this important bill.”

State Rep. Alan Silvia echoed Fiola’s comments on the budget’s benefit to the DCF.

“It’s important that we are making such progress, and it’s encouraging to work towards a manageable budget with my colleagues,” Silvia said. “In addition, providing these funds for DCF caseload issues is important during this critical time.”

The legislation provides an additional $20 million for heating assistance and about $45 million to provide low-income homeless families with access to housing. Also, the Department of Transportation may spend an additional $50 million for snow and ice removal dependent on the state’s needs.

“This supplemental budget also provides much-needed assistance to help maintain our roads during the remaining cold months,” Rep. Paul Schmid said. “As we trudge through a winter with some of the most active precipitation in years, we need to be ready with reserves that ensure proper snow and ice removal to keep our roads safe and traffic flowing smoothly.”

The bill also includes a $15 million recapitalization of the Brownfields redevelopment fund, which will allow the current pipeline of projects to continue and increase development opportunities on currently vacant and underutilized properties across the commonwealth.